According to Fast Technology on August 11， SlickBuys Mods and Repairs， a US-based studio specializing in gaming console and handheld repair and modification， has successfully upgraded the memory capacity of the Steam Deck OLED from 16GB to 32GB.
This modification process is quite complex， involving not only the replacement of the memory module but also the reprogramming of the BIOS and the implementation of a firmware update lock.
Specifically， the modification procedure includes several key steps. Firstly， it is necessary to source compatible memory chips to replace the original 16GB memory module in the Steam Deck OLED.
The next step involves the physical modification， which entails the removal of the old memory chips and the meticulous resoldering of the new 32GB memory module onto the device’s motherboard.
Finally， modifications are made to the BIOS to ensure it correctly recognizes the new memory configuration. A crucial aspect of this process is the implementation of a firmware update lock， which is designed to prevent future firmware updates from overwriting these custom modifications， thereby maintaining the system’s recognition of the 32GB memory capacity.
Consequently， a Steam Deck OLED that has undergone this modification will be unable to receive official firmware updates. Any new firmware released by Valve would overwrite the previous BIOS modifications， reverting the system’s memory recognition back to the original 16GB.
Therefore， for users who prioritize keeping their devices updated with the latest official software， this particular modification might not be an ideal choice.
Currently， there are no specific performance benchmark results available for this upgraded Steam Deck OLED. This makes it difficult to definitively ascertain whether doubling the RAM to 32GB will yield a significant improvement in gaming performance. While increased RAM can be beneficial for multitasking and loading larger game assets， the actual impact on frame rates and overall gaming experience will likely depend on how memory-intensive the games being played are and whether the Steam Deck’s overall architecture can fully leverage the additional 16GB.
